Stephanie Frappart, a distinguished French official, made history by becoming the first woman to serve as the chief referee in a men’s FIFA World Cup match. This landmark achievement was confirmed by FIFA’s press service and marked a pivotal moment in international football officiating.
For this historic match, Frappart was assigned to oversee the group-stage encounter between Germany and Costa Rica. assisting officials were Neuza Back (Brazil) and Karen Díaz (Mexico). The team captains and players were briefed ahead of kickoff as the officials prepared to take the field with the match clock set to start at 22:00 Moscow time on the designated date.
At 38 years old, Frappart has a proven track record at the highest levels of the sport. She previously refereed the 2019 UEFA Super Cup clash between Chelsea and Liverpool, becoming the first woman to officiate a major men’s UEFA competition final. Her career also includes numerous assignments in France’s top-flight Ligue 1 and in the UEFA Champions League, where she has demonstrated composure, consistency, and a deep understanding of the game’s demands.
When the World Cup tournament began on November 20 and extended through December 18, it brought together eight stadiums across five host cities. The event culminated with a final held at the National Stadium, attracting millions of viewers around the globe and serving as a showcase for elite refereeing standards under intense international scrutiny. This edition highlighted the ongoing evolution of officiating and the growing acceptance of women referees in the highest tiers of men’s international football, reinforcing the path for future generations of officials. [citation attribution: FIFA]
In related discussions about team leadership and squad preparation, it was noted that Cristiano Ronaldo did not attend a dinner with the Portuguese national team leadership. Such details underscore the broader context in which teams and officials operate during major tournaments, where timing, diplomacy, and focus all play critical roles in the day-to-day operations surrounding elite competition. [citation attribution: national federation press releases]